‘Joker’ Concept

by (Tang Sing Moi)

Kuching’s White Cat Statue is the main character for this design. It is the first cat statue, historical landmark and tourist attraction that were built in the 1990s. Kuching is also called as ‘cat’s city’ and is the state capital of Sarawak. The white cat statue is dress up with different costumes for major celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Gawai, Raya and Christmas to represent people with various cultures and religious that lives harmony in Sarawak.

Hornbill is the state bird of Sarawak. It has been an icon to the natives of Kuching. It’s white tail and a black band feather is used to decorate around the neck of the cat.

Rafflesia flower on head of cat is the world’s largest single flower that can be found in the rainforest of Sarawak. Losing of habitat is the greatest threat to the survival of the Rafflesia. Before rainforest degradation and habitat destruction, conservation actions need to be taken.

Paku and Midin (or Biling) that are holding in the white cat hand are wild green fern that can grow and found in Sarawak. They are famous and well-loved by Sarawakian as local natural vegetable cuisine. During our younger days, Paku and Midin are grew in abundance in Kuching but nowadays they are hardly found in the city and hiding in the villages and farmhouses.

Sarawak Pepper which holding in the white cat hand is one of the important cash crops or agriculture farming for Sarawak. It has been exported throughout the world, gaining international recognition and becomes the world’s most widely used spice for food flavouring. Many pepper cultivars exist in Sarawak, but the most widely grown cultivar is called ‘Kuching’. This crop has time and again proven to be a good income-earner for Sarawakian farmers and should not to neglect pepper cultivation.

Terabai (or Iban Traditional Warrior Shield) is hexagonal in shape, filled with a net of vine plants. Terabai is use to protect culture and preserve heritage from vanishing due to modern lifestyle.

Carpenter Street Kuching’s Chinatown (or Attap Street) is one of the oldest streets in Kuching which locates behind the back street of the Main Bazaar. There is a big Chineseinspired red archway which known as Harmony Arch that indicates the entry point of the Kuching Chinatown. This arch indicated the multi-ethnic groups in Sarawak co-existed serenely.